day one: la to sd
Sometimes you just need to get away, doesn't matter where, or how, you just need to let your mind breathe for a bit. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed with school and work, and frankly I was just a rambling mess. Brittany (@brittany_hampton) & I had already planned to get away, however where we were going to go, we had no idea. We ultimately decided to take a weekend getaway trip to San Diego. I've been to San Diego plenty of times, and you know me, I'm always looking for a new adventure...
Needless to say, our first stop was for lunch and Javier's in Newport Beach, is to die for. From the ambiance, to the food, to the drinks, it is just heaven from start to finish. I took Brittany here for her birthday last year, and also visited their Las Vegas location, and it is delicious every single time. I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a nice place lunch or a romantic seaside dinner, it'll meet your needs.
7832 E Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach, Ca 92657
949-494-1239
Since there wasn't much that intrigued me in San Diego... I did not want to go to the Zoo, Sea World, or Legoland haha, I decided to make the routine 2 hour drive, into more like a 5 hour adventure.
Mission San Luis Rey De Francia
4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057
"...A former Spanish Mission in the present-day city of Oceanside, Ca. The mission was founded on June 13, 1798 by Padre Fermin Lasuen , and was the eighteenth of the Spanish missions established in California. Named for Saint Louis, the mission lent its name to the Luiseno tribe of Mission Indians. The current church, built in 1811, is the third church on this location. It is a National Historic Landmark, for its pristine example of a Spanish mission church complex. Today the mission complex functions as a parish church of the Diocese of San Diego as well as a museum and retreat center"
There is a $5 fee to go inside the museum. However, this mission although very beautiful, you can get a lot out of just walking around the grounds. If you have never been to a mission, then I do recommend going into the mission just to get a better view of things.
The Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 431-0352
"For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year - from early March through early May - literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area's local heritage, also is one of nature's official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California."
Season: Spring (March 1, 2014 through May 11, 2014
Hours: Open to the public seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Prices: $12.00 for Adults, $11.00 for Seniors 60+, $6.00 for Children 3-10, Children 2 and under are free
Wagon Rides: $5.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children 3-10
Information Line: (760) 431-0352
The Flower Fields is rather beautiful but make sure you check the conditions of the fields prior to making a trip. Brittany and I went in early March, so there was not that many flowers. We decided to opt out paying $12 for the entrance, however the potential is there for it to be absolutely stunning. The pictures on their website are quiet stunning. I will definitely try to make a stop at some time before the end of the season.
Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South
La Jolla, Ca 92037
7:00 am to 10:00 pm
- 6 concentric walls will ultimately hold 3,200 black granite plaques, currently there are more than 2,700 plaques in place.
- Each plaque "tells a story" of a veteran's military service or that of a group of military service
- Includes members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.
- Originally dedicated as Korean War Veterans Memorial in 1952
This monument is very stunning and has amazing views of both San Diego and La Jolla. We were very fortunate to have been here around sunset because we got some amazing views from onto of the mountain. I would recommend anyone traveling to the San Diego area to make a stop here.
After finally making it San Diego, we were exhausted, it was time for us to settle down into our hotel room, and get ready for a night out on the town. We definitely knew that we were not in the mood to go bar hopping, so we settled for a nice rooftop bar lounge at the W San Diego.
W San Diego
421 W B St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 398-3100
"If you’re looking for the hottest spot in the San Diego bar scene, celebrate every night at the re-energized Rooftop at W San Diego – a visionary fusion of extraordinary cocktails and glittering views. Bringing the bright, bold bonfire theme to life, the space features a playful sculpture of stacked beach chairs, designed by Mr. Important Design. Guests can mingle in one of the five private cabanas or toast to the nightly Sunset Ritual by the signature bonfire. Full service and bottle service is available. Then if you really want to make a splash, wander down to WET, our heated outdoor pool, located just a few steps from the rooftop revelry."
This hotel was really nice, and the food was really good. They had good drinks that were well served. Just stay away from the Raspberry Mojito, not that good (Brittany had that). The staff was also extremely friendly and very accommodating. The crowd is very mellow, and relaxed, nothing too formal.
day two: sd to la
Waking up after a night out was a little rough, but we had a great day planned to get a massage and facial at Artesia Salon & Day Spa. This is a very small spa, but very relaxing, if you are looking for a great spa that gives you a little get away I recommend this place.
240 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 338-8111
9:00 am to 8:00 pm
They normally have great specials going on, so make sure you call or check TravelZoo, Groupon, or Living Social, you are bound to find some type of package deal.
After a nice relaxing morning in the Gaslamp Quarter, we headed out
Old Town San Diego for some delicious Mexican Food, and some good margaritas. The place to stop is always Old Town Mexican Cafe. This place is always packed, affordable, and delicious. As I am writing this I find myself craving their homemade flour tortillas that are being made right in the window.
2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 297-4330
7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Make sure you order a pitcher of margarita, well worth the money.
After an amazing in San Diego, it's time to go back to the reality of my everyday life. I had a great time, and I enjoyed being able to spend a great weekend with my best friend. Remember it's always important to take some time off and just relax the mind and the body.
If you want to see more of the pictures that I took on my staycation, make sure to visit my photo galleries:
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